Benjamin Netanyahu is a prominent Israeli politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Israel for multiple terms, establishing himself as the longest-serving head of government in the country's history. Born on October 21, 1949, in Tel Aviv, Israel, he is widely recognized for his lengthy career in public service, military leadership, and diplomacy. Netanyahu’s early life was marked by frequent movement between Israel and the United States. His father, Benzion Netanyahu, was a respected historian, and the family’s academic background influenced his early years. During his teenage years, the family moved to the Philadelphia area in the United States. Following his return to Israel, he enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 1967, where he served in the elite Sayeret Matkal special forces unit. His military service was significant, including participation in sensitive operations, such as the 1972 rescue of a hijacked jet at Tel Aviv's airport. Following his military service, he pursued higher education in the United States, earning a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Science in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His political career began after a period in the private sector and diplomatic service. He served as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., and later as Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations. In the late 1980s, he entered domestic politics, joining the Likud party and winning a seat in the Knesset. His rise within the party was rapid; he became leader of Likud in 1993, succeeding Yitzhak Shamir. Netanyahu’s tenure as Prime Minister has been defined by three distinct periods of leadership: 1996–1999, 2009–2021, and his return to power in December 2022. During his first term, he became the first Israeli Prime Minister to be directly elected by popular vote. His subsequent terms have been marked by a focus on national security, the strengthening of Israel's economy, and assertive foreign policy. He is often credited with fostering Israel's transition into a global leader in technology and cybersecurity, frequently advocating for free-market reforms and deregulation. Internationally, his legacy includes the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, which normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Throughout his career, Netanyahu has maintained a hawkish stance on security, particularly regarding the Iranian nuclear program and regional conflicts. His leadership has frequently intersected with periods of significant regional tension and internal political debate. Since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and the subsequent regional conflicts, his administration has been deeply involved in large-scale military operations. As of March 2026, he continues to serve as Prime Minister, navigating complex diplomatic and security landscapes, including regional military operations such as Operation Roaring Lion, while facing domestic political scrutiny and electoral challenges. Netanyahu’s political influence remains substantial, characterized by his ability to forge coalitions and navigate a divided political spectrum. Despite various controversies and legal challenges that have punctuated his tenure, he has remained a central and polarizing figure in Israeli and Middle Eastern politics, maintaining that his primary objective is ensuring the security and longevity of the State of Israel.